ED Arrests Chaitanya Baghel in Liquor Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on Friday. The arrest is part of an ongoing probe into the state’s multi-crore liquor scam.
The arrest came after a raid at Baghel’s residence in Bhilai, earlier the same day. The ED believes that government officials, liquor contractors, and political figures formed a cartel that generated over ₹2,161 crore in illegal profits between 2019 and 2022.
Arrest Coincides With Chaitanya’s Birthday
In a dramatic turn, the arrest took place on Chaitanya Baghel’s birthday. His father, Bhupesh Baghel, lashed out on social media, calling the action a “birthday gift” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“On my birthday, Modi ji sent the ED to raid my advisors. Now, on my son’s birthday, they raid my house. Thanks for the gift, I’ll never forget it.”
Political War of Words Intensifies
The former CM’s remarks quickly went viral, triggering a political slugfest. Congress leaders condemned the ED action, calling it political vendetta. BJP leaders, however, said the arrest was based on facts and not personal dates.
Sources close to the central agency said the timing was coincidental and driven purely by operational needs.
Inside the Alleged ₹2,161 Crore Scam
The liquor scam reportedly manipulated the government’s liquor supply chain. According to ED documents, bribes were collected from suppliers to allow unaccounted liquor sales through government shops.
The scam involved:
- Under-reporting of alcohol stock
- Kickbacks to government officials
- Unauthorised private sales using government inventory
The agency referred to a 2022 Income Tax Department report that flagged massive irregularities in liquor licensing and distribution.
Previous Arrests in the Case
Before Chaitanya’s arrest, the ED had already arrested key accused like:
- Anil Tuteja – senior IAS officer
- Anwar Dhebar – liquor contractor and brother of Raipur’s mayor
Multiple raids have targeted political aides and bureaucrats connected to the former Congress-led government.
Congress Alleges Political Targeting
Congress has consistently claimed that agencies like the ED and CBI are being used to harass opposition leaders. With this arrest, the narrative gains more fuel, especially given the symbolism of the birthday timing.
Baghel’s office stated the ED raid happened on the last day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly session, when discussions were scheduled around the Adani-linked Tamnar forest tree-cutting issue.
What the ED Says
ED officials say the investigation is fact-based and supported by financial documents, digital evidence, and recorded confessions. The case has moved into the prosecution stage, with more arrests likely in the coming weeks.
Public and Political Reaction
The arrest has sharply divided public opinion. While many see it as justice for corruption, others view it as a distraction tactic before upcoming state elections.
Conclusion
The arrest of Chaitanya Baghel adds a dramatic new chapter to Chhattisgarh’s liquor scam investigation. With Assembly elections around the corner and high-profile names involved, the case is expected to remain in the spotlight.
Whether this is a genuine crackdown or political retaliation is something only time—and the courts—can decide.
